Smartwatch Waterproof Rating Explained | IP67 vs ATM vs IP68

Most people assume a “waterproof” smartwatch can handle anything from rain to a pool workout. The truth is that these ratings describe laboratory test conditions, not real-world guarantees. Understanding what IP67, IP68, 3 ATM, and 5 ATM actually mean will keep your watch working and help you pick the right model for how you live. Get this wrong, and you could be wearing a very expensive paperweight.

What Do IP Ratings Mean On A Smartwatch?

IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the two digits that follow tell you exactly what the device survived in testing. The first digit covers solids and dust. The second covers water. So IP67 means dust-tight and safe from temporary immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IP68 also means dust-tight, but the depth and duration go beyond 1 meter — the exact limits are set by each manufacturer.

Samsung’s support documentation explains that these ratings are device-specific, and the Galaxy Watch Ultra carries both 10 ATM and IP68 ratings. That means a watch can pass both types of tests, and the ratings cover different kinds of exposure.

How Do ATM Ratings Compare To IP Ratings?

ATM measures pressure resistance, and the number is often described as a depth in meters. A 5 ATM rating is commonly called 50 meters, and a 10 ATM rating is called 100 meters. But these are static pressure tests, not a guarantee you can dive that deep.

IPX7 and IPX8 ratings work differently. The X means no dust rating is claimed. IPX7 handles temporary immersion, while IPX8 handles prolonged immersion under manufacturer-defined conditions. Some watches carry both an ATM and an IP rating, so you get protection against both pressure and dust.

Can You Shower Or Swim With Any Smartwatch?

Several sources note that hot showers, baths, and steam are commonly excluded even for watches with strong ratings. Soap and hot water can degrade the seals over time, and the rapid temperature change can stress the internals.

For your specific activity, match the rating to the exposure. When you are ready to compare models built for swimming, our roundup of the best waterproof smartwatches for women breaks down the top-rated options by what they can handle.

What Can Reduce Water Resistance Over Time?

Water resistance is measured under controlled lab conditions, and real-world wear changes the picture. Age, impacts, salt water, soap, and pressure changes can all reduce protection. A dropped watch or a cracked case can compromise the seals even if the rating looks the same on paper. Samsung’s guidance is to check the exact IP/ATM label on your model and follow the manufacturer’s limits before swimming or showering.

Two mistakes cause most water damage. First, treating 50m / 5 ATM as a literal dive depth — it is not. Second, assuming IP68 means the same depth and time across all brands; it does not. Each manufacturer sets its own tested conditions for IP68 and IPX8, so read the fine print before you trust it in the pool.

FAQs

Is a 3 ATM watch safe to wear while swimming?

No. Swimming involves sustained water contact and movement pressure that exceeds what a 3 ATM static test covers.

What is the difference between IPX7 and IPX8?

Can hot showers damage a water-resistant smartwatch?

Yes.